Magnetic field responsive methylcellulose-polycaprolactone nanocomposite gels for targeted and controlled release of 5-fluorouracil

5-Fluorouracil loaded magnetic field sensitive methylcellulose and polycaprolactone gels were prepared and characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and VSM. Swelling analysis supplied important information on drug diffusion properties. The release profile of gels was investigated in different buffer solutions and the highest release values were observed at pH = 7.2. Release kinetic was analyzed using an empirical equation to clarify the transport properties of drug. The effects of nanoparticle concentration and applying external magnetic field were investigated on release profile. The results indicated that the drug release decreased by both, applying external magnetic field and increasing the concentration of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.